PIPER, Robert ‘Bob’ Byrd Piper
1930 – 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Robert ‘Bob’ Byrd Piper, formerly of Whitecourt, Alberta, on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the age of 86 years. Born in Drumheller, Alberta, in 1930, Bob spent his youth working on the family farm. He later moved to Whitecourt in 1958; working for Calgary Power (later Trans-Alta) as District Manager, until his retirement in 1992. An accomplished man with a passion for golfing and commercial fishing with his buddies in the Palm Bay Company, he enjoyed spending time outdoors on his snowmobile and on the rink playing old-timers hockey for the Whitecourt Senators. During his time in Whitecourt, he was always involved in the community; serving as President of the Catholic School Board, a member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteering for the Whitecourt Minor Baseball, Cubs and Scouts. He was also Charter President of the Kinsmen Groups in Mayerthorpe and Whitecourt. He was honoured with many accolades for his community service, including Citizen Of The Year Awards in both 1967 and 1976. He had recently moved to Red Deer to be close to his family. He enjoyed the central location that gave many friends an opportunity to visit, but Whitecourt remained his true home. Bob was known to everyone as a patient, kind and gentle man, whose positive outlook affected all around him. He leaves to mourn his loving partner of eight years, Jackie Atkins and her children; his daughter, Roberta Merrick (Jorde) Gebhart; sons Gary (Jackie) Piper, and Kelly. He will also be sadly missed by grandchildren, Danielle, Matthew (Cherry), Justin and Kendra; and great grandchildren, Peyton, Elena and Nathan; his sister, Pat Fugeta, son-in-law, Dan Merrick and a great many friends and relatives. Bob was predeceased by his first wife, Kathy (1993), second wife, Claudia (2009), sisters, Jean and Lavern, and a brother, Mervin. Please join us in a Celebration of Bob’s Life which will be held at Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, June 30, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.; where Bob would have been sure to remind us that “everything will be fine”. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040 or 1.800.481.7421.

• Date : 2017-06-24